► Volkswagen ID. 5 long-term test
► We live with VW’s family EV
► Read month 1 here
Indulge me for a minute here. Imagine a guessing game where I describe a car without naming it, and see how long it takes my opponent to correctly identify the make and model. My take on the VW ID. 5 would go something like this. ‘It’s a big electric hatchback, with decent range and recharge rates. Anonymous and frumpy styling. Spacious and comfortable cabin but some iffy plastics and finishes. Woeful user interface, and second-rate ergonomics.’
Based on this info, they might well be thinking about the Chinese brands that have recently shaken up the UK market – BYD, Ora or MG. And then I drop the bomb. ‘It’s German and it’s knocking on £60k.’ I’m guessing VW would be the last manufacturer on their list.
You just don’t expect a Volkswagen to offer up such a mixed bag – at any price.
This is what I was ruminating on during our recent Welsh sojourn to Bangor, prompted by the ID. 5’s central screen dying twice in the space of an hour, just north of Shrewsbury. Don’t get me wrong – there’s much to like and enjoy about the ID. 5, but I’m still battling to get my head round the reality that this is the best electric car VW could produce.
Read month 1
Read month 2
Read month 3
Logbook: VW ID. 5 Pro Performance Tech (month 4)
Price: £55,580 (£58,330 as tested)
Performance: 77kWh battery, e-motor, 201bhp, 8.4sec 0-62mph, 99mph
Efficiency: 3.9 miles per kWh (official) 3.6 (tested), 0g/km CO2
Range: 323 miles (official), 278 (tested)
Energy cost: 10.0p per mile
Miles this month: 789
Total: 3809